I walked slowly up the stairs, so as not to sweat too much. It might mess up the makeup. I wasn't nervous - I'm never nervous at interviews. Perhaps this time I should have been.
A nun received me at the interview room. I took a seat, awaiting the Mother Superior. At this particular school, the Mother Superior insisted on personally interviewing all prospective teachers. While waiting, I took a last mental look at myself, making sure my dress looked adequate, the boots were donned right, and that my face looked good. I wasn't really supposed to wear makeup, but I applied a little bit for this occasion. I was hoping that God wouldn't care and the mother wouldn't notice.
I got up to greet her when she came in. I introduced myself: "Hello, Diane Bergman".
"Mother Braun. Please have a seat".
"Thanks. "
"So, tell me what kind of situation you are looking for?"
We went over the basic introductory questions. She then went on to ask me several questions on theology and my personal faith. I was told that this Mother was very religious and strict in matters relating to God and our faith, but I was still a little surprised at the intensity of her questions. It wasn't a big problem; I had been a loyal follower of God for many years and knew my theology well. We talked about religious matters for over 40 minutes, and then she dismissed me. Although she was difficult to read, I felt pretty sure I had done well. I actually enjoy such discussions, and I could tell that she was pleased with my devotion and my exacting knowledge. I wondered why she hadn't asked me anything about my teaching credentials. I had suspected that this is what she would have concentrated on. She must have checked up on my references and been satisfied through them. They had been carefully picked and prepared for this: They would have told her, truthfully, that my teaching skills were excellent. They would also have been careful not to reveal the one thing I didn't want the Mother to know.
I really wanted this teaching position. I probably had wanted it longer than I realized. I had taught in different capacities, but the idea of teaching girls in grammar school must have resided somewhere in my mind, slowly surfacing, because when I one day thought about it consciously, it seemed the most natural thing in the world. So I went ahead and applied at this Christian school in the city, thinking that a change of scenery might do me good. I had to move anyway to fulfill my new dream.
On my way out, I had to speak to the nun that received me before. She asked me, if I were to start teaching here, whether I wanted to stay resident or keep my own place in the city. I definitely wanted to keep my own place. We went over a couple of more details, and then I left. I had a really good feeling about it, and after meeting the Mother and a couple of sisters, seen the place and experienced the feel of it, I was more sure than ever that this is what I wanted.
A few days later, I received an offer in the mail. I called in and accepted immediately. I was to start teaching the following school year, but I would start my preparations within a month. I was really excited, but this is also when I started to get nervous. I knew that it was what I wanted, but I didn't start seriously thinking about the complications until now. I had to actually go to that school every day, teaching the girls, associating with the other teachers, all of them sisters. I know I was up to the teaching, but I nearly panicked at the thought of all those women. But I accepted the future as God's will. I was, after all, just a humble monk.